FATHER - It's Your Day!

We honor You...We esteem You...We love You...

Fathers generally hold a special place in our hearts that is so unique, it is hard to define. 

I suppose that has to do with the fact that they are quite often the first true male role model we have in our earthly family.

For the newborn, the toddler, and the young child - Dad is the main man.  He is the one you cuddle-up with in his over sized easy chair. He is the one who holds your tiny hands as he leads you across the room step by step. He plays peek-a-boo and chases you through the house as you squeal in delight. He tucks you in bed and scares away bad dreams and dreaded monsters in the closet. He reads you stories and answers endless questions. He stands guard as you venture out into your strange new world...

Our heavenly Father likewise cares for us - both in the natural world and the spiritual realm.

When we are hurting and venerable, we can approach our Abba (daddy) and crawl up into His lap of mercy. There we feel secure and safe. When we acknowledge His positional sovereignty, we begin to grasp His great power and authority. As the child's song Jesus Loves Me says, "We are weak - but He is strong".

In Luke 12:32 Jesus says, "Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Our heavenly Father longs for us to solely rely upon Him. Our efforts apart from Him are futile and empty. When we give Him our availability - He will give us our ability to do what He has called us to do. He is our advocate and counselor. He is our teacher and mentor. All of our dreams and desires are nestled safely in our God ordained destiny.

Celebrate this Father's Day knowing that your heavenly Father rejoices in the day your were born. 

God longs to make us children of His Kingdom. He draws us unto Himself and awaits our spiritual rebirth. We were created for His good pleasure and fellowship. Celebrate that relationship.

Here are a couple of past posts to read and share with others for Father's Day

A Tribute to my Dad on Father's Day

Military Dad Far From Home

Finally, when life is pressure filled and complicated  - make time with your Father and sit in His presence. I enjoy visualizing sitting in a tranquil garden communing with my heavenly Father.

Imagine the wonderment, the serenity, the beauty...

Smell the flowers' fragrant scent. Listen to the trickling water as it flows downstream. Gaze upon the colorful flora. Listen to the cheerful singing of the birds. Feel the gentle breezes on your cheek. Touch the grassy carpet beneath your feet. Engage your full senses as you rest in His creation.

Psalm 46:10 tells us to, "be still and know He is God."  That means stilling your mind and thoughts. Let His holy Word infuse you with truth and life. Meditate on His goodness, His faithfulness, and His promises.

Have a journal nearby to write out questions or jot down Scriptures that come to mind. Pour your heart out to Him as the psalmist David did. Be real with God - after all, He knows your inner most thoughts. He knows your pain and your disappointments. He loves you with His perfect love...

Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:24 

 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."

Enjoy the hymn "In the Garden" as sung by Alan Jackson... 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

FATHER - It's Your Day!

A Tribute to My Dad on Father's Day

Me and my Dad - circa 1965

It's Father's Day...the first Father's Day since my Dad passed away.

I miss his smile, his sense of humor, his reassuring words. I was his firstborn. He played ball with me, helped me built a tree house, and taught me how to ride a bike. He gave me driving lessons in our VW bus on the Navy base we were stationed at. He walked me down the aisle my first marriage and welcomed me home when it didn't work out four years later. He was happy for me when I remarried and learned to love my current husband like his own son.

Dad's have a way of making us feel secure.

They are often the first to give their approval and help build our self esteem. They watch over us and often stand between us and a cruel world.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a caring, loving Dad. I was blessed to have him in my life for many years. Dad was just shy of 84 years old when he died. My parents had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in December.

Our Heavenly Father will be your Abba (daddy) when yours is not able to. He loves you with an everlasting love. He will never leave you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

Here is a link to my last post about my journey with Dad during his illness  God's Amazing Love

Father's Day is an opportunity to thank our Dads, husbands, sons, and others in our lives that have played a fatherly role.  Below are four of my past Father's Day posts that you might enjoy reading...

Daddy's Little Girl

Father Knows Best

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY - Celebrate your Dad while you still can...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Tribute to My Dad on Father's Day

Military Dad Far From Home - Do You Know One?

There are Absentee Dads and then there are Dads that are absent…

It’s Father’s Day!  My granddaughter and I carefully put together three special gifts for her Daddy:  a cute photo frame that says “Daddy’s Little One”, a small but manly photo album with all the pictures of their last visit during Memorial Day weekend, and a handmade card featuring lots of stickers, her hand print, and other hand drawn doodles.

Our son is a military Dad.  He’s currently serving in the US Marine Corps and is stationed in Norfolk,Virginia.  He was in Quantico, Va. when our granddaughter was born, and actually flew down just in time for her birth. Those were happier days when they were here before heading off to their first duty station in North Carolina.

He is now divorced.  That has made it much harder for him to be a hands-on Dad.  Our heart goes out to him and the countless others who are in the military and stationed far from home.  Some are married, and some are divorced.  Either way – they are separated from their families and loved ones.

We are fortunate that our granddaughter’s mother still lives near us.  We see our little princess about every other weekend.  We are among the lucky few who live near their grandchildren while their sons or daughters are serving in the US military.

Many grandparents don’t get to see their grandchildren often if their service member is deployed or living overseas.  

When my Dad was in the US Navy, we were stationed overseas twice:  once in Italy and once in Cuba.  We were the exception in that our Dad’s parents visited often in both places while we were growing up in a military household.

Our son lives twelve hours away – so frequent visits aren't possible.  However, after a lengthy deployment last year of nine months he was able to stay with us for a long Christmas visit.  He and our granddaughter went to Disney World and had a blast!  Making memories and just being together is what forms a life-long bond between Daddy and daughter.  She is just 3 ½ yrs. old right now, but she definitely knows and loves her Daddy!

They do "Facetime" and laugh while being silly on my smart phone.  We often text, and send photos of ordinary things when she is with us.  We want our son to feel connected and part of her daily activities.  We take every opportunity to make him special treasures and gifts throughout the year.  I want her to know that she and her Daddy are heart-to-heart close - even when they are separated.

Just because a Dad is absent doesn’t mean he has to be an absentee parent.  Far from it – they can be as involved in their life as is possible with the help of their family.  Granted, all parties need to make an effort to make that happen – and that is why my ex-daughter-in-law and I have a good and respectful relationship.

This Father’s Day we have already spoken to our son by phone.  I know he is missing his little girl, and I am hoping he has talked with her today.  He looks forward to the next visit and I know she can’t wait to spend quality time with him soon.

Son, we’re so proud of the Dad you are.  We ask God’s blessing upon you as you navigate the path He has put before you.  Your daughter is a gift from above and I know you cherish her and your future together.

For you grandparents out there with children serving in the US military – how do you cope with the separation?  Do you have a divorced child who is overseas away from their son or daughter?  What do you do to keep that line of communication and connection intact?

This Father’s Day let us focus on the most important parent / child relationship: God’s love for mankind…  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Our Heavenly Father desires to have a relationship with His creation.  He desires reconciliation between fathers and their children. The ultimate example is our being reconciled to Him through His Son Jesus. 

Malachi 4:6 is a wonderful picture of the pending reward of Christ’s second coming as he speaks of their relationship: “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

Your Heavenly Father longs to love you, provide for, and protect you. He will never leave or forsake you. You can trust Him. He is the perfect parent now and for eternity.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Military Dad Far From Home - Do You Know One?

A Father's Day Tribute

This Father's Day I'd like to pay tribute to our son.  

He's a U.S. Marine Corps officer serving aboard the USS Iwo Jima on an 8 mo. deployment in the Middle East.  He spent some precious moments with his daughter Sydney, as you can see from the photos I took prior to his leaving.

What a wonderful thing to see your children become parents, and then you get to observe the tenderness, love and care they exhibit as they interact with their child – your grandchild.

As children of the Living God, we have the perfect Heavenly Father. When Jesus was speaking to the crowds about worry, wealth and judging, He began teaching on asking and giving. In Matthew 7:9-11 Jesus states, “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Our Father knows best. He created us and knows are intimate needs. He alone can fill the void within each heart.

The Apostle Paul often wrote to the churches he established with a deep love and concern, just as any good parent would. In I Thessalonians 2:10-12, Paul is addressing the church about the tenderness with which he and others nurtured the congregation during its infancy. He says, “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would have a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

Then in I Timothy, Paul writes to the young preacher in a most affectionate way: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Paul took Timothy under his wing and mentored him - often referring to him as a son. Later, in II Timothy 2:1-2 he pens, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When difficulties and sinful habits made their way in to the young church at Corinth, Paul writes in I Corinthians 4:14-17,“I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church." Paul repeatedly emphasized his emulation of Father God’s love and care for His church in his response to and exhortation of believers in the first century.

This post is a "shout out" to our son Sean.  I want to convey just how 

proud we are of him in his role as  father to his precious little girl.  

Though he's on deployment until December, our prayers and best wishes are sent his way for a memorable Father's Day (via a surprise-packed Priority Mail box).

Enjoy this wonderful prayer by a well-known war hero...

A Father’s Prayer

  Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

  Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know thee and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

  Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.  Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

  Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

  And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously.  Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.

  Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, “I have not lived in vain.”

                                                                                             ~ Douglas MacArthur

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

A Father's Day Tribute

Daddy's Little Girl

                                      

                          I am His little Princess

He lifts me up on His shoulders

He kisses my boo boos

He gives me a big bear hug

He has tea and cookies with me

He gently places a ladybug in my hand

He offers his wisdom and guidance

He wipes away my tears

He presents me to my betrothed

I dance to a waltz with him

This Father’s Day I was reminiscing about my Dad when I was much younger.  I did not grow up in a traditional Christian home.  My mother believed in God, but my father wasn’t interested.  Although I attended “church” on occasion – I didn’t meet the Lord Jesus Christ until I was 33 yrs. old, and the mother of a toddler.  Nonetheless, my Dad was a wonderful father.

He was a career US Naval aviator and later on taught high school.  He was a great role model growing up.  He gladly helped my Mom out around the house, played hide and seek outside with my sister and I, and he read us stories at bedtime when we were little.  I vividly remember marching around our living-room overseas in our pajamas, singing to Mitch Miller’s “The Yellow Rose of Texas” (on a record player console) as we paraded down the hallway for my Mom to see.  

I remember my sister and I dressed up as a doctor and nurse with our little bags – tending to our Dad’s “broken arm” and “high fever”.   He taught me to have the confidence to ride solo on my first bike ride without training wheels.  He tutored me in math, went over my spelling words with me, and helped me practice my role in a school play (pretending to be the male part).  He has always been my greatest supporter and cheerleader in life.  I even recall the joy in his eyes as he held his first great-granddaughter, who was just a day old at the time.

As children of the Living God, we have the perfect Heavenly Father. When Jesus spoke to the crowds about worry, wealth and judging, He began His teaching on the topic of asking and giving.  In Matthew 7:9-11 Jesus states, “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?   If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”  

The Apostle Paul writes to us in Romans 8:14-15 about our adoption as sons (and daughters) of God.  He says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’.”  In Galatians 4:6 Paul says, “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’”  The Aramaic word “Abba” is a term of endearment for Father.  We have all the privileges given to us as the adopted children of the Most High God.  He loves us and cares for us as His children in a most tender and compassionate way.

In I Thessalonians 2:10-12, Paul is addressing the church about the tenderness with which he and others nurtured the congregation during its infancy.  He says, “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would have a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 

Although your relationship with your earthly Daddy might not have been ideal – your Heavenly Father wants the best for His children.  Your Heavenly Father longs to love you, provide for, and protect you.  He will never leave or forsake you. He offers you wisdom, discernment and correction. He is merciful and gentle. He delights in you.  You can trust Him.  He is the perfect parent now and forever.

 This is a great photo of my Dad holding his great-granddaughter - 

born October 30th 2009 (thus the pumpkin outfit)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

 

Daddy's Little Girl

Father Knows Best

Father’s Day is approaching and I’d like to send a “shout out” to our son for a “Happy Father’s Day”. This will be his first Father's Day since becoming a Dad last October to a beautiful little girl. This is a picture of them that I will treasure forever. What a wonderful thing to see your children become parents, and then you observe the tenderness, love and care they exhibit as they cradle their child – your grandchild, for the very first time.  I was blessed and privileged to be present for her birth.

As children of the Living God, we have the perfect Heavenly Father. When Jesus was speaking to the crowds about worry, wealth and judging, He began teaching on asking and giving. In Matthew 7:9-11 Jesus states, “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Our Father knows best. He created us and knows are intimate needs. He alone can fill the void within each heart.

In I Thessalonians 2:10-12, Paul is addressing the church about the tenderness with which he and others nurtured the congregation during its infancy. He says, “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would have a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

Then in I Timothy, Paul writes to the young preacher in a most affectionate way: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” And again in II Timothy 2:1-2, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Paul often wrote to the churches he founded with love and concern as he did in I Corinthians 4. He writes,  “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.” (I Corinthians 4:14-17) Paul repeatedly emphasized his emulation of Father God’s love and care for His church in his response and exhortation to believers in the first century.

We all remember the show “Father Knows Best” from the 1950’s and 1960’s. It started every week with the following announcement: "Here are Robert Young and Jane Wyatt, with Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray, and Lauren Chapin in Father Knows Best!" We’d follow the Anderson family each week as they worked through their weekly struggles and dilemmas, as well as interacting with each other at home as the “perfect family”.

The following comment comes from the “Father Knows Best – Official Website” - Jim Anderson wasn't really like a "Father" - he was more like a "Dad", and the TV audience connected. He was a responsible parent who loved his wife and kids. He was a man who would do a paper route in the rain for his sick son, Bud. He was a man who'd always choose to see Kathy in a school program rather than attend an important Chamber of Commerce dinner. His family came first, but it was a delicate balancing act.

This Father’s Day let us celebrate His love: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Our Heavenly Father desires reconciliation between fathers and their children. The ultimate example is our being reconciled to Him through His Son Jesus. Malachi 4:6 is a wonderful picture of the pending reward of Christ’s second coming as he speaks of their relationship: “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

Your Heavenly Father longs to love you, provide for, and protect you. He will never leave or forsake you. You can trust Him. He is the perfect parent now and for eternity.

Father Knows Best…

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Father Knows Best